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Driver Safety and Transition: Course Materials

Posted on Oct 10,2018

In the spring of 2018, NADTC conducted an online course that provided an in-depth look at the concerns about the safety and well-being of older drivers and people with disabilities, planning for transportation independence and many of the age related challenges that make driving increasingly difficult. Additionally, the course will lay out the array of transportation issues, alternatives and accessible options that older adults, people with disabilities and their loved ones can begin exploring before it’s necessarily time to actually give up the keys, as well as suggestions and helpful tools to encourage and enable safe drivers in the years ahead. For more information on the NADTC Driver Safety and Transition Course, visit the course’s general information page: https://www.nadtc.org/event/driver-safety-and-transition-understanding-shared-interests-challenges-and-opportunities-for-collaboration-in-supporting-transportation-independence/

COURSE OVERVIEW

Since it is anticipated that the audience for this course will include human services professionals, transportation professions and caregiver support, it is critical that basic information be provided that will educate professionals and empower caregivers and drivers about the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities. This course will include information about: steps to take to ensure ongoing driver safety; having difficult conversations about driving adjustment or transition with a loved one; how and when to make the necessary changes in driver behavior; mobility planning for the future; community transportation networks of services; and how drivers and caregivers can begin embracing community mobility and transportation alternatives for the overall well-being of older adults and people with disabilities.

In addition, presenters will explore areas of potential, but sometimes unrecognized, common interests and discuss ideas for increasing coordination among both professional and consumer groups. Specific issues to be discussed will include: What are the transportation priorities for older adults and people with disabilities in your community? What are the warning signs that a person’s driving skills may be impaired? How to transition from driving to transportation alternatives? What mobility management, travel training and fixed route options are available? How to get around and maintain independence when driving is no longer an option? What resources are available to help family caregivers when faced with driving safety concerns of a loved one? Examples of good practice will be highlighted by the panel.